Three injured as ‘illegally modified’ CNG vehicle explodes in Edo

A tragedy occurred on Thursday morning in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, when a Compressed Natural Gas, CNG-powered vehicle exploded at the NIPCO filling station on Aduwawa along the Benin-Auchi Expressway.

A viral video shows the vehicle scattered after the explosion, while terrified bystanders fled as the loud blast sent shockwaves of panic through the area.

Three individuals reportedly sustained various injuries and were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ugbowo.

It was learned that the explosion occurred when the technician who did the installation and the car owner drove to the filling station to test-run the contraption.

The explosion raises safety concerns regarding the conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to CNG, a practice encouraged by the Federal Government to reduce transportation costs after the removal of fuel subsidy.

In a statement on X, the Presidential CNG Initiative confirmed the incident and extended sympathy to those injured.

The statement reads: “The Presidential CNG Initiative notes the unfortunate incident that involved an illegally modified vehicle at a NIPCO CNG Station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

“The PCNGI commiserate with those injured in this avoidable incident, and thankful that no lives were lost. The PCNGI also note that safe handling of all hydrocarbon is critical to their safe use.

“A close examination of the cylinder in question in Benin City shows it was welded and modified, and not approved for use for CNG.

“The police, regulatory authorities, and management of NIPCO are undertaking a painstaking investigation of the incident and we are coordinating with them.

“This incident reiterates the impetus of the PCNGI and our partners on the soon-to-be-launched Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System at SON, NMDPRA, NADDC and FRSC to tackle any bad actors in the ecosystem that seeks to make this safer, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable source of fueling risky for all.

“We also call on all stakeholders to cooperate with the new system of regulation and ensure full compliance.

“Only accredited conversion centers must be patronized and safe handling of CNG just like petrol ensures the safety of all.”